Page 18 of The Baby Dragon Cafe
People who weren’t part of Drakkon families had a tough time acquiring dragons of their own because it was so expensive, and it wasn’t just about money—dragons were highly exclusive. Even with money, they were hard to procure, which was why those who were keen turned to the black market.
“What type was it?” Aiden asked.
“Opala,” Emmeline replied.
Aiden was glad it wasn’t a basalta; the Sterlings were theDrakkon family in charge of the basalta breed. The opalas were managed by the Cartwrights, and Aiden knew even if Saphira’s mother had the money, the Cartwrights wouldn’t have sold to her. They were picky about who they let into their little Drakkon club.
Dragons on the black market were even harder to tame because, more often than not, they had been kidnapped and kept in bad conditions until they were broken in by the poacher, then made fit to sell.
When a dragon and their rider were not properly bonded, the race never went well, which must have been what happened to Saphira’s mother.
“You know what everyone says about non-Drakkon riders,” Emmeline continued, shaking her head.
Aiden did know, and it was nothing nice. He was aware it mostly came from a place of snobbery and classism because non-Drakkon riders weren’t ancestral riders, but unfortunately there was also some truth to how non-Drakkons—who weren’t born and raised around dragons, with generations of knowledge to guide them—couldn’t ride as well, which normally wouldn’t matter. However, in the races, where even skilled riders were in danger, not having the proper technique could be deadly.
The whole culture fed into itself. Drakkon families held the money, power, and fame, so some non-Drakkons thought if they could get ahead in the races, they would receive the same respect and social standing, which was why they tried—maybe why Saphira’s mother tried, as well—but it hardly ever boded well, only further reaffirming the Drakkons’ belief of superiority and entitlement.
“It’s all such nasty business,” Aiden said, scowling. Hehad always hated dragon racing, but the idea that it had hurt Saphira so personally made him hate it in an entirely new way he couldn’t quite put into words.
“I agree it’s wretched,” Emmeline said, shrugging. “But that’s the way it is—what can we do about it?”
Worry needled through Aiden. “Does Saphira know?” he asked. “About her mother?”
Emmeline shook her head. “Don’t think so. You know the racing gossip tends to stay private, like the races.”
Aiden swore under his breath. He needed to protect Saphira from this knowledge; it would only hurt her. And he seriously needed to stay away from her, too.
Dragon racing was what killed Saphira’s mother, and if Saphira found out his family was involved in that very business, she wouldn’t be pleased at all. The last thing he wanted was for her to hate him.
And that was the original plan anyway—to stay away.
But then why did he feel so damn disappointed?
Chapter 6
It had been two weeks of training Sparky, and Saphira thought she was doing quite well, actually. She spent the first week familiarizing herself with Sparky, getting him to feel safe and comfortable with her before getting into proper training.
Training a dragon was quite delicate because you had to do it while the dragon was still a baby. By the time they grew up, they were too chaotic and difficult to control and refused to learn anything. So the early days were crucial.
Saphira had slowly gotten Sparky to not be so hyperactive, to be a bit calmer. He did not need to be continually jumping off of surfaces and biting things, or be in constant motion. She spent a lot of time playing with him, using treats to reward good behavior, and Sparky seemed to be responding well to her commands.
Saphira had also tried to make Sparky mellow out a bit with Aiden, to not growl or bite so much each time Aiden came to pick Sparky up, but that was difficult with Aiden still refusing to attend training with Sparky.
Aiden had complimented her for her attempts last night.When he had come to pick Sparky up, Sparky had gone to Aiden willingly, with no hisses or scowls, and no scratches or bites, either.
Aiden had been hesitant, waiting for something to go wrong, but Saphira gave Sparky a stern warning glance, and Sparky had settled calmly by Aiden’s leg.
She had breathed a sigh of relief while Aiden had been impressed. “You’ve tamed the little monster,” Aiden said. Sparky remained well-behaved, a sight which made Saphira’s chest swell with pride.
“My little goglu is such a good boy!” Saphira said, petting Sparky. She scratched the black scales under his chin, and Sparky cooed.
“Are you sure?” Aiden had asked. “Maybe he’s just tired.”
“No, he’s not tired. He really is good!” Saphira had said, indignant on Sparky’s behalf.
“Why don’t I try and provoke him, just to be sure?” Aiden had asked, dark eyes lit with amusement.
“No!” Saphira had grabbed Aiden’s hand before he could poke the bear, and Aiden had stopped mid-motion. Too late, she had realized he had been teasing her. The corner of his mouth had been tilted.
